Means and method for dispersing finely divided solid particles in a vehicle



lG. R. SCHOLD Jan. 6, 1970 MEANS AND METHOD FOR DISPEHSING FINELY DIVIDED SOLID PAHTICLES IN A VEHICLE Filed Aug. 19, 1966 INVENTOR. George R. Schold United States Patent O 3,488,009 MEANS AND METHOD FOR DISPERSING FINELY DIVIDED SOLID PARTICLES IN A VEHICLE George R. Schold, 8818 W. 93rd Place, Oak Lawn, Ill. 60457 Filed Aug. 19, 1966, ser. No. 573,614 Int. Cl. B02c 18/14, 13/10, 7/06 U.S. Cl. 241--163 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This invention relates to a means and a method for uniformly dispersing finely divided particles in a liquid vehicle and more particularly, to a new and improved apparatus and method for producing finely divided particles and uniformly distributing such finely divided particles in a liquid vehicle.

In the manufacture of products such as paints, enamels, pigmented ink oils Containing a solid and the like, the solid material ingredient of the product is usually introduced into a liquid vehicle in a finely divided form having a particle size as low as one micron. As pointed out in detail in U.S. Patent 3,135,474, of which the present inventor is also the inventor, such solid particles are substantially insoluble and inert with respect to the liquid vehicle and when such material in the dry form is first introduced into the liquid vehicle the particles tend to form lumps which are aggolmerations of a multitude of particles surrounded by a lm of the liquid vehicles. As a result, the entire outer-most surfaces of substantially all of the particles agglomerated in each lump remain dry and do not readily disperse uniformly in the liquid vehicle. As was pointed out in the aforementioned patent, this phenomena is probably due to the surface of the liquid vehicle being of such magnitude to inhibit dispersion.

Heretofore, a variety of different apparatuses and methods have been employed in an attempt to break up the agglomerated particles. However, no one apparatus and method afforded the efficiency of operation and the low installation and maintenance costs desired from such equipment. One form of mechanical apparatus heretofore commonly used to break up the agglomerated particles involved passing a fluid mixture of the liquid vehicle and agglomerated particles through conventional roller mills which usually consisted of a pair of accurately machined and highly poli-shed and thus extremely expensive metal rollers. The metal rollers are power driven and are in line contact with each other under a relatively heavy pressure. The fluid mixture was caused to pass between the rollers and the force exerted by the rollers on the fluid mixture stream was relied upon to mechanically crush the agglomerated particles and disperse the individual particles of the agglomerates into the liquid vehicle issuing from the rollers. The shortcomings of such apparatus are numerous and major. The rate of dispersion is obviously slow and operation of the apparatus requires at least one operator to be in attendance at all times since the rollers are rapidly damaged if the mill is allowed to operate for even a short period of time without the fluid mixture flowing through the rollers. Furthermore, the power consump- ICC tion and other maintenance costs as well as the initial installation cost of such roller mills are extremely high. Lastly, the operating efficiency of the apparatus left much to be desired.

Apparatus embodying applicants invention as set forth in the aforementioned patent obviated to a great extent, all of the many shortcomings and disadvantages possessed by roller mills of the type described above. Briefly, the apparatus and method involved introducing a dispersing agent in the form of granulated, magnetically susceptible particles into the fluid mixture, agitating the resulting mass so as to cause disintegration of the agglomerates, and thereafter removing the dispersng agent particles from the fluid mixture.

Although the apparatus and method described in U.S. Patent 3,125,474 have proved to be extremely successful from both operational and commercial standpoints, the present invention contemplates the provision of an apparatus and method which afford even greater efllciency and are less costly to manufacture and utilize then applicants patented apparatus and method. More particularly, applicants new and improved invention is directed to an apparatus and method for uniformly distributing finely divided particles in a liquid vehicle without the need of a dispersing agent of any form whatsoever or the introduction of foreign materials of any sort into the fluid mixture of agglomerated particles and liquid vehicle. Broadly, it is an important objective of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for uniformly dispersing finely divided particles in a liquid vehicle by causing the fluid mixture to pass through one or more zones where the fluid mixture stream is subjected to tremendously high pressures and is simultaneously agitated violently for controlled, predetermined periods of time. Briefly, the apparatus for accomplishing the primary objective of the invention includes a cylindrical drum and a rotor extending centrally and along the longitudinal axis of and within the drum. The interior space enclosed by the drum is divided into one or more longitudinally spaced chambers, each of which has axially aligned inlet and outlet openings radially spaced inward of the interior surface of the drum and encircling the rotor. Secured to the rotor and disposed within each chamber is a pair of disk-like blades having vanes formed thereon for directing the fluid mixture entering the inlet opening of the chamber radially outwardly to a zone adjacent the outer peripheries of the blades with a tremendous pressure. The zone is defined by an annular anvil surface which rotates in unison with and is axially spaced between the blades and is radially spaced relatively close to the interior surface of the drum. The anvil surface is relatively hard and roughened so that the fluid mixture flowing through the zone is agitated violently while under the tremendous pressure produced by the blade vanes and the centrifugal force acting upon the rotating mass of fluid mixture. The application of pressure on the fluid mixture simultaneously agitating the same as it passes through the high pressure zone are effective to tear or destroy the film enclosing the particles of each lump or agglomeration of a multitude of particles and, consequently, cause the agglomerated particles to break up into single, separated particles or at least into lumps of smaller size containing a smaller number of agglomerated particles. As the fluid mixture passes through the high pressure zone and is violently agitated, the temperature of the fluid mixture is raised with a resultant lowering of its viscosity. Heretofore, it was sometimes necessary to provide a boiler or the like for preheating certain fluid mixtures before introducing the same to the apparatus for dividing the agglomerated particles so as to not impose an unnecessary load on the apparatus and to facilitate the dividing process. Obviously, the provision of a boiler involved an expenditure for equipment which is not necessary to practice the present invention. Furthermore, the heat impacted to the fluid mixture as it flows through each high pressure zone facilitates the destruction of the film enclosing the agglomerated particles and the production of finely divided particles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a simply, yet sturdily, constructed apparatus for dispersing insoluble solid particles uniformly into a liquid vehicle continuously without the necessity of utilizing a dispersing agent or the like.

A still further object is to provide adjustable means for varying the physical dimensions of the high pressure zones so as to adapt the apparatus of the invention for materials of various viscosities and/or for materials containing agglomerated particles of different sizes.

Another object is the provision of an apparatus for uniformly dispersing nely divided particles in a liquid vehicle wherein the liquid mixture of liquid vehicle and the solid material in agglomerated particle form is capable of being continuously fed to the apparatus for processing as distinguished from those apparatuses which require the liquid mixture to be introduced in predetermined quantities or batches and, consequently, a greater quantity of liquid mixture can be handled in a shorter period of time than heretofore possible.

Still another object is to provide a simple method for dispersing solid particles in a liquid vehicle without the need of employing a dispersing agent of any sort.

'I'he foregoing and other important objects and desirable features inherent in and encompassed by the invention, together with many of the purposes and uses thereof, will become readily apparent from a reading of the ensuing description in conjunction with the annexed drawings, in which,

FIGURE l is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along line 2-2 of FIGURE l;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view, partly in section, taken substantially along line 3-3 of FIGURE 2, portions of the structure are broken away to better illustrate the invention; and

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary perspectlve view, partly in section, of an arcuate segment of one of the blades utilized in the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like reference characters represent like elements throughout the various views, reference character is used to generally designate a suitable sturdy support base which is preferably rectangular shaped in plan. As best shown in FIG- URES l and 2, the dispersing apparatus, designated generaly by reference character 11, includes a cylindrical sleeve 12 mounted on the support base 10 so that its longitudinal axis extends horizontally and longitudinally. The cylindrical sleeve 12 is rigidly mounted on the base 10 adjacent one end portion thereof by means of a pair of parallel, transversely spaced angle irons 13, each of which has an edge of one leg rigidly secured to the cylindrical sleeve 12 as by welding or the like, and the other, horizontally disposed leg thereof suitably fastened to the flat top surface 14 of the support base 10 by means including a plurality of bolts 15.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, a generally circular end plate 16 is used to close one end of the cylindrical sleeve 12. A plurality of circu-mferentially spaced machine screws 17, extending through suitable apertures in the end plate 16 adjacent the periphery thereof, are `adapted to be threaded into the sleeve 12 so as to secure the end plate 16 to the sleeve 12. It will be noted that the end plate 16 has a reduced diameter section 18 which projects into and slidably engages the interior surface 19 of the sleeve 112 when the end plate 16 is secured to the sleeve 12. The reduced diameter section 18 is provided with an annular groove 20 which serves as a pocket for retaining an O-type sealing ring 21. The end of the sleeve 12 opposite the end plate 16 is provided with -an end plate 22 which has its peripheral edge portion constructed in the same manner as the end plate 16 described above. The end plate 22 is also secured and sealed to the sleeve 12 by means of machine screws 23 and a sealing ring 24. The cylindrical sleeve 12 and the end plates 116i, 22 secured and sealed thereto define a drum-like housing 25 As best shown in FIGURE 2, the end plate 22 is provided With a central opening 26 through which a shaft 27 extends horizontally into and along the longitudinal axis of the sleeve |12. The innermost end 28 of the shaft 27 terminates in a vertical plane adjacent to the inner face 29 of the end plate 16. As clearly illustrated in FIGURE 2, substantially the entire shaft section 30 of the shaft 27 disposed within the housing 25 has a reduced diameter and such reduced diameter shaft section 30 is provided with a longitudinally extending keyway groove 31 for receiving a portion of an elongated key 32 and keyway groove 31 will be pointed out presently.

By means of a plurality of spacer rings 33 and a single filler ring 34 a number of stationary, generally circular partitions 35 are positioned within the housing 25. Three of these partitions 35 are shown but it is to be understood that a smaller or a greater number could be utilized without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The spacer rings 33 and the filler ring 34 are arranged end-to-end with the peripheral edge portion of a respective partition 35 between and abutting adjacent rings. Thus, it will be appreciated that securance of the end plates 16, 22 to respective opposite ends of the sleeve 12 in the manner hereinbefore described causes the spacing rings and filler ring 34 to lrmly clamp the partitions 35 to the interior of the housing 25. The partitions 35 partially define three chambers 36 of substantially uniform volume and a single end chamber 37 of a relatively large volume which is partially defined by the inner face 29 of the end plate 116 and the partition 35 nearest thereto.

Referring to FIGURE 2, it will be noted that each chamber 36 and the large end chamber 37 contain an assembly 38 which includes a center disc 39, a pair of blades 40 and a pair of clamping members 41. The center disc 39 as well as the blades 40 and clamping members 41 are each provided with a central opening therethrough of a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the reduced diameter shaft section -18 and a keyway notch adapted to receive the key 32 therein when mounted on the shaft 27. As clearly illustrated, the blades 40 of each assembly 38 are arranged back-to-back with the center disc interposed between and abutting the blades 40. Each lcircular clamping member of each assembly 38 in turn, 1s in abutting engagement with a respective one of the blades 40. When mounted on the shaft 27 one of the clamping members 41 of the assembly 38 closest to the end plate 22 abuts the shoulder 42 formed at the juncture of the reduced diameter section 30 and the shaft proper to limit axial movement in one direction. It also will be noted that the shoulder 42 axially positions the assembly 38 substantially in the center of the chamber 36. The remainder of the assemblies 38 disposed within the chambers 36 are axially centered within such chambers 36 by means of spaoer members 43 which are keyed to the reduced diameter shaft section 30 and interposed between each pair of adjacent assemblies 38. The spacer member 43 interposed between the assembly 38 disposed within the chamber 37 and adjacent assembly 38 being of the same axial length as the other spacer members 43 positions the assembly 38 of the chamber 37 closely adjacent to the partition 35 partially defining the chamber 37. The assemblies 38 and spacer members 43 are axially xed to the shaft 27 by means of a clamping sleeve `44 which is adapted to be mounted on and keyed to the reduced diameter shaft section 30. The clamping sleeve 44, which is capable of sliding axially along the reduced diameter shaft section 30, is positioned so as to have one end thereof abutting one of the clamping members 41 of the assembly 38 disposed within the large chamber 37. The axial length o f the clamping sleeve 44 is such that when all the assemblies 38 and respective spacer members 43 are in engagement with each other, as shown in FIGURE 2, a small end portion of the clamping sleeve 44 projects beyond the end face l45 of the reduced diameter shaft section 30. A thrust Washer 46, having a peripheral edge portion in abutting engagement with the end of the clam-ping sleeve 44, is 'f mounted on a boit 47. The boit 41, in tum, is capable of being screwed into a threaded recess 48 opening into the end face 45 of the reduced diameter shaft section 30 in order to firmly clamp all of the lassemblies 38 between the clamping sleeve 44 and the shoulder 42. From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the assemblies 33 are axially and rotatably fixed to the shaft 27.

Each partition 35 is formed with a central opening 49 therethrough for accommodating the reduced diameter shaft section 30 and a respective spacer member 43, and for providing annular fluid passageway means between adjacent chambers 36, 37. The purpose of the annular fluid passageway means will be pointed out hereinafter in detail.

Suitable shaft sealing means, designated generally by reference character 50, are provided for sealing the opening 26 in the end plate 22, through which the shaft 27 extends. As shown in FIGURE l, the shaft 27 is rotatably supported by means of a pair of axially spaced conventional bearing blocks 51 which, in turn, are mounted on a box-like standard 52 fixed to the top surface 14 of the support base 10. Power means, in the form of an electric motor 53, is also bolted to the top surface 14 of the support base 10. The motor shaft 54 is drivngly connected to the outer end of the shaft 27 by means of a coupling 55. From the foregoing, it will be appreciable that when the electric motor 53 is energized the shaft 27 and the assemblies 38 are rotated in unison.

As best shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, the end plate 16 is provided with a centrally disposed opening 56 therethrough. Encircling the opening 56 and fixed to the outer face of the end place 16 by welding is a stub 57 provided with internal pipe threads. One end of an inlet pipe 58 (partially shown) is connected to the stub 57. The inlet pipe 58 communicates with the discharge side of a conventional motor driven variable displacement fluid pump (not shown). It is to be understood that the inlet or suction side of the fluid pump is in communication with a source (not shown) of fluid mixture of agglomerated particles in a fluid vehicle. The innermost end of the inlet opening 56 flared for discharging undispersed fiuid mixture, under pressure, generally axially and radially outwardly into the large chamber 37 is indicated by the arrows 59. The final product which consists of the fluid vehicle with the solid particles (e.g. pigment) finely divided and completely dispersed therein flows from the housing 25 in a direction generally tangential of the housing 25 through an outlet pipe fitting 60 which opens into the end chamber 36 partially defined by the inner face 61 of end plate 22. A discharge or outlet pipe 62 (partially shown) has one end connected to the pipe fitting 60.

The blades 40 of each assembly 38 are mirror images of each other and each blade 40 comprises a generally flat, relatively thin body 63. The outer peripheral edge of the body 63 is provided with a plurality of circumferentially spaced, integrally formed varies 64. The vanes 64 of each blade 40 are formed to extend radially from the outermost edge and axially in one direction from the general plane of the body 63 with which they are integrally formed. It will be noted that an edge 65 of each vane 64 defining one circumferential extent of the vane is generally curved and the free, outer end thereof is radially spaced inwardly of the free, outer end of the edge 66 defining the opposite circumferential limit of the vane. It will also be noted that the edge 66 of each Vane 64 has a radius of curvature which is considerably greater than the radius of curvature of the edge 65. Thus, the free, outer end of the edge 65 of each vane 64 is also axially spaced a greater distance from the general plane of the body 63 than the free, outer end of the edge 66. Consequently, when the shaft or rotor 27 is rotated in the direction of the arrow 67 as contemplated in the operation of the apparatus 11, the edge 65 of each vane y64 leads the edge 66 thereof. Because of the vane formation described above, the disposition of the blades 40 and the rotational direction of the shaft or rotor 27, the fluid mixture in each of the chambers 36 as well as the large chamber 37 is forcefully propelled radially outwardly. The blades 40 of each assembly 38 are also effective to simultaneously direct the fluid mixture axially toward the center disc 39 interposed therebetween. As a result, a tremendously high pressure is caused to be developed in each of the annular zones 65 partially defined by the outer peripheral edge or anvil surface 69 of a respective center disc and the annular surface portion of the interior surfaces 70 of the spacer or filler rings 33, 34 in radial alignment therewith. It will also be appreciated that the fluid pressure developed in each annular zone 68 by the pumping action of the blades 40 is augmented by centrifugal force acting on the fluid mixture mass when the apparatus is in operation. In the manufacture of the center discs 39 the anvil surfaces 69 thereof are hardened by any suitable means after being roughened by a conventional shot blasting process or the like. The purpose and significance of providing the center discs 39 with hardened and roughened anvil surfaces 69 will be pointed out hereinafter.

OPERATION The electric motor 53 is energized causing each of the assemblies 38 to rotate in its lrespective chamber 36, 37 in the direction of the arrow 67. A fluid mixture comprising the selected vehicle, such as oil, with agglomerated particles of undispersed solids therein (e.g. a pigment) is introduced into the large chamber 37 through the inlet opening 56 formed in the end plate 16. The fluid mixture having agglomerated solid particles is pumped continuously from the variable displacement supply pump (not shown) and is discharged into the chamber 37 under a positive pressure which is slightly greater than the fluid pressure developed in the annular pressure zones 68. Consequently, the fluid mixture, after being subjected to the high pressure of the zone 68 associated with chamber 37, ows sequentially through each of the series of charnbers 36 and the zones 68 associated therewith and is ultimately discharged from the drum-like housing 25 through the outlet pipe fitting 60. The variable displacement supply pump (not shown) controls the rate of flow of the fluid mixture into the inlet pipe 58. Inasmuch as the motor 53 is energized at this time, the assembly 38 disposed within the chamber 37 is rotating and causes the fluid mixture to flow radially outwardly toward the annular zone 68 associated therewith. The radial spacing or clearance between each anvil surface 69 and the radially aligned interior surface portions 70 of the spacer and filler rings 33 and 37 is approximately ten to one hundred thousandths of an inch and the rotational speed of the shaft 27 in relation to the diameter of center discs 39 is selected such that the anvil surface 68 travel at a speed of approximately 7000 feet per minute. As the uid mixture flows serially or sequentially through each of the successive high pressure zones from the inlet opening 56 to the outlet pipe 62 the lumps of solid particles are physi-cally torn apart and progressively reduced in size by the abrading action of the fast-moving roughened anvil surfaces 69. The fluid mixture stream is also agitated violently to further assist in the breaking up of the lumps of agglomerated solid particles. During the time the liuid mixture is passing through each zone 68 and being violently agitated and subjected to the tearing action of the roughened anvil surface 69, it is simultaneously under a pressure of to 500 pounds per square inch which developed pressure greatly facilitates the tearing or destroying of the lilm enclosing the agglomerated particles of the lumps. Consequently as the fluid mixture liows from one chamber to the next adjacent chamber through the opening 49 in the partition 35 separating such chambers, the lumps contained in the fluid mixture are progressively reduced in size by lowering the number of solid particles in such lumpsuntil the liuid mixture being emitted from the outlet pipe 62 is relatively free of lumps of agglomerated solid particles. It will be appreciated that by increasing or decreasing the number of chambers 36 provided in the housing 25, the `size of the lumps (which size is dependent on the number of agglomerated solid particles contained in the lump) present in the fluid mixture flowing from the housing 25 may be controlled as desired.

It will also be appreciated that as the liuid mixture passes through each high pressure zone 68 and is violently agitated, the temperature of the liuid mixture is raised with a resultant lowering of its viscosity. Obviously, by reducing the viscosity ofthe lluid mixture, the power required to operate the apparatus 11 is correspondingly reduced. Furthermore, the heat imparted to the fluid mixture as it flows through each high pressure zone facilitates the destruction of the lilm enclosing the agglomerated solid particles and, thus, the production of finely divided solid particles. There are indications that the heat imparted to the fluid mixture is effective to cause any water contained in the fluid mixture to suddenly and explosively burst into steam as the fluid mixture flows from the high pressure Zones 68. It is believed such minute and multiple explosions tend to destroy the lilms of water encasing and causing agglomerations of solid particles and thus reduce the size of the lumps. The temperature of the lluid mixture flowing through the dispersing apparatus 11 is controlled by regulating the discharge flow rate of the variable displacement supply pump. It is also to be understood that the temperature of the uid mixture could be controlled by providing an external water jacket (not shown) about the housing 25. Thus, the necessity of providing a separate boilerv4 or the like for preh'eating certain fluid mixtures before introducing the same to -apparatus 11 is eliminated.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that with a constant ow rate, variance of the thickness of the anvil surfaces 69 measured in an axial direction will be elfective to change the dwell time the fluid mixture is in the high pressure zones 68. Thus, by merely substituting center discs 39 having a thickness different from that illustrated in the drawings other dilferent fluid materials may be processed in the apparatus 11. That is, fluid materials having larger or smaller lumps of agglomerated solid particles therein than the fluid mixture illustrated.

It is also to be understood that the degree of surface coarseness of the anvil surfaces 69 can also be changed in order to modify the effectiveness of such surfaces 69 to tear up the liquid lilms enclosing the lumps in the fluid mixture and the degree of agitation caused by such surfaces 69 when the apparatus 11 is in operation.

The nal product flowing through the outlet pipe 62 is found to consist of the liquid vehicle lwith its linely divided solid particles (e.g. pigment) completely dispersed therein. Unlike the process described in U.S. Patent 3,135,474 there is no necessity to be concerned as to whether the final product contains any trace o-f a dispersing agent therein since a dispersing agent is not employed in the present process. Furthermore, unlike the roller mills mentioned hereinbefore, the above described apparatus 11 of this invention will not be damaged in any way whatsoever if permitted to continue oprating in the event fluid mixture flowto the housing 25 ceases for any reason. Furthermore, the cost of manufacturing and operating the apparatus of U.S. Patent 3,135,474 and conventional roller mills is considerably greater than the cost of constructing and operating the apparatus 11 of the present invention.

The embodiment of the invention chosen for the purposes of description and illustrationherein is that preferred for achieving the objects of the invention and developing the utility thereof in the most desirable manner, due regard being had to existing factors of economy, simplicity of design and construction, production methods, and the improvements sought to be effected. It will be appreciated, therefore that theparticular structural and functional aspects emphasized herein are not intended to exclude, but rather to suggest, such other adaptations and modifications of the invention as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for individually dispersing linely divided substantially insoluble solid particles held in agglomerated form carried in suspension by a liquid vehicle as a fluid mixture comprising, in combination, housing means substantially cylindrical in shape; a plurality of chambers formed in said housing means andarranged along the longitudinal axis thereof, each pair of adjacent chambers being partially defined and separated by a common panition disposed substantially in a 'plane normal to the longitudinal axis of said housing means, each of said partitions having a central, generally circular opening therethrough to provide fluid communication between the chambers separated thereby, each of said chambers further having a zone formed therein providing fluid communication therethrough; means for introducing a liow of fluid ,mixture into a first one of said chambers disposed adjacent one longitudinal end of said housing means and causing the fluid mixture to flow sequentially through such chambers and their respective zones; fluid mixture discharge means in fluid communication with a second one of said chambers disposed adjacent the longitudinal end of said housing means opposite said first one of said chambers, said means for introducing a llow of fluid mixture into said first one of said chambers and causing the fluid .mixture to flow sequentially through said chambers and their respective zones is effective to discharge the resulting dispersion product through said discharge means; means for substantially increasing the dynamic pressure of the fluid mixture as the fluid mixture flows through each of said zones including an assembly means disposed in each of said chambers and drive means for moving all of said assembly means in unison relatively to said housing means, said drive means including a rotatable shaft extending longitudinally into said housing means from one end thereof and through said central, generally circular openings of said partitions, the rotational axis of said shaft being coincident with the longitudinal axis of said housing means, and each 'of said assembly means including a generally circular disc secured to said shaft, the outer peripheral edge portion of each disc being radially spaced from the generally cylindrical, intrior surface of said housing means, each of said outer peripheral edge portions and the annular interior surface portion of said housing means in radial alignment therewith partially defining a respective one of said Zones, each of said assembly means further includes a pair of generally circular, plate-like blades fixed to said shaft, said blades being substantially mirror images of each other and arranged back-to-back with a respective one of said generally circular discs interpo'sedbetween and in abutting engagement therewith, each of said blades of each of said assembly means having a plurality of circumferenti'ally spaced vanes provided on the outer periphery thereof, said vanes being formed and arranged oneach blade .so that upon rotation yof y,said shaft in one particularl direction they are effective to direct .the flow of fluid radially outwardly and Iaxially into'the zone of the chamber in which the blade is disposed and to substantially increase the Vdynamic pressure of the fluid mixture as it flows through such Zone; and means for simultaneously agitating said liuid .mixture as it liows through each of said zones including said outer peripheral edge portion of each of said generally circular discs, the annular surface defining each of said outer peripheral edge portions being of a relatively rough character of the annular interior surface portion of said housing means in radial alignment therewith.

2. An apparatus for individually dispersing finely divided, substantially insoluble solid particles held in agglomerated form carried in Suspension by a liquid vehicle as a fluid mixture comprising, in combination, a substantially cylindrical shaped housing means; a plurality of chambers formed in said housing means arranged side-by-side along the longitudinal axis of said housing means, each of said chambers being in fluid communication with the chamber adjacent thereto and further having a zone formed therein providing fluid communication therethrough; means for introducing a iiow of fluid mixture into one of said chambers and causing the fluid mixture to flow sequentially through said chambers and their respective zones; means for substantially increasing the dynamic pressure of the uid mixture as the fiuid mixtureows through each of said Zones; and means for simultaneously agitating said iiuid mixture as it flows through each of said zones including a generally circular disc in each of said Chambers, said disc being rotatable in unison and the outer peripheral edge portion of each disc being radially spaced from the generally cylindrical, interior surface of said housing means, the annular surface defining each of said outer peripheral edge portions and the annular interior surface portion of said housing means in radial alignment therewith partially defining a respective one of said zones, one of said annular surface and annular interior surface portion partially defining each zone being of a relatively rough character and the other one of said annular surface and annular interior surface portion partially deiinihg each zone being of a relatively smooth character in comparison, said means for substantially increasing the dynamic pressure of the fluid mixture as the iiuid mixture flows through each of said zones includes a generally circular, plate-like blade fixed to each of said circular discs so as to be rotatable therewith, said blade having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes provided on the outer periphery thereof, said vanes being formed and arranged each blade so that upon rotation of said disc in one particular direction they are effective to direct the flow of iiuid mixture radially outwardly and axially into the zone of the chamber in which the blade is disposed and to substantially increase the dynamic pressure of the uid mixture as it iiows through such zone.

3. An apparatus for individually dispersing finely divided, substantially insoluble solid particles held in agglomerated form carried in suspension by a liquid vehicle as a fluid mixture comprising, in combination, a substantially cylindrically shaped housing means; a plurality of chambers formed in said housing means arranged side-by-side along the longitudinal axis of said housing means, each of said chambers being in fluid communication with the chamber adjacent thereto and further having a zone formed therein providing fluid communication therethrough; means for introducing a flow 0f fluid mixture into one of said chambers and causing the fluid mixture to flow sequentially through said chambers and their respective zones; means for substantially increasing the dynamic pressure of the fluid mixture as the fluid mixture ows through each of said zones; and means for simultaneously agitating said uid mixture as it flows through each of said zones including a generally circular disc in each of said chambers, said discs being rotatable in unison and the outer peripheral edge portion of each disc being radially spaced from the generally cylindrical, interior surface of said housing means, the annular surface defining each of said outer peripheral edge portions and the annular interior surface portion of said housing means in radial alignment therewith partially defining a respective one of said zones, one of said annular surface and annular interior surface portion partially .dening each zone being of a relatively rough character and the other one of said annular surface and annular interior surface portion partially defining each zone being of a relatively smooth character in comparison, said means for substantially increasing the dynamic pressure of the fluid mixture flows through each of said zones includes a pair of generally circular plate-like blades disposed in each of said chambers, said blades being substantially mirror images of each other and arranged back-to-back with a respective one of said generally circular discs interposed between and in abutting engagement therewith, each of Said blades being secured to a respective circular disc and having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vanes provided on the outer periphery thereof, said vanes being formed and arranged on each blade so that upon rotation of said disc to which it is secured one particular direction they are effective to direct the iiow of fluid radially outwardly and axially into the zone of the chamber in which they are disposed and to substantially increase the dynamic pressure of the uid mixture as it flows through such zone.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 310,940 l/1885 Gould 241-163 1,187,932 6/1916 Ryther 241--163 2,092,992 9/ 1937 Thalman 241-256 2,718,178 9/1955 Wandel 2141-163 X 2,882,149 4/1959 Willems 241-157 X HARRISON L. HINSON, Primary Examiner U.S. Cl. X.R. 24l--15, 157, 256 

